[ColtCowboyIII]

Hey guys,

I recently acquired my first nickel-plated gun, and would like some tips to maintain its beautiful condition. I have been following the recent thread about waxes and polishes, but I am curious about just general cleaning. I've heard that solvents are dangerous around nickel finishes.

Is CLP safe to use on nickel finishes?

Is it okay to use Hoppes for the bore, or is it too risky in case some of the solvent rubs around the breech end on the way in?

Any other recommendations on keeping the finish in pristine condition?

Thanks,

CC3

 

[johngross]

Is it okay to use Hoppes for the bore, or is it too risky in case some of the solvent rubs around the breech end on the way in?

I've never used CLP, but since you asked about Hoppes....

My believe is that the concern of mixing nickel with Hoppes is of no concern. I use it on my $5,000 nickel and engraved SAA and don't give it a worry. I don't even bother taking the ivories off when cleaning with Hoppes.

I also own a 45-70 Trapdoor Springfield Officer's Model which was missing its original cleaning rod. I purchased a handmade copy for $200 (and that was 20 years ago!) which had the correct nickel plated tips. I wanted to age them a little so they would not be so bright and new looking, so I soaked them in Hoppes for a day or two. Absolutely nothing happened to the nickel plating on the tips.

Now maybe on a poor plating job, or one that has flaking or peeling nickel, the Hoppes might cause some damage. But on nickel in good condition I don't loose any sleep.

John Gross

 

[elliotf]

I switched to CLP years ago because of the problems I had with Hoppes and Nickel. Anything with ammonia will attack nickel. IMO

 

[Colt-SL]

Neither Breakfree CLP nor Eezox will adversely affect nickel.

 

[ColtCowboyIII]

Thanks for the input everybody. John, that makes a lot of sense about the Hoppes being more harmful if the finish is already flaking or peeling. This gun appears to be in great condition, but I will probably use CLP just to be safe since I already own a can and it sounds like it will not damage the nickel plating (I'll start under the grips to test it and work out from there).

CC3

Also.. is CLP appropriate to use as a lube for storage, or should I invest in something else for longer term storage?

 

[BigG]

CLP works to clean, preserve, and lubricate and is safe for nickel. Hoppe's contains ammonia and will strip nickel if there is any way it can get under it and it will find a way if there is any.

 

[nitro.dawg]

Great info, I've also been concerned about cleaning chemicals that were safe with stainless and especially nickel. Thanks

 

[therevjay]

Hoppes #9 is not a good idea for nickel. ' Hoppes Elite' however will not harm any finish. (but it doesn't smell as nice)